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Climate Action: Policy

Driving Question: How can policy help us address climate change?

Government policies are essential for driving innovation and adaptation, and you have the power to advocate for changes to those policies. Explore climate policies that could benefit your community, and then write a letter to a decision-maker in support of a policy you believe will make an impact.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Evaluate the importance of government policy when it comes to climate action.
  2. Research and assess a climate policy that will help address climate change.
  3. Write a letter to advocate for a climate policy.

Vocab Terms:

  • advocacy
  • policy
  • research and development (R&D)
  • standards
  • subsidy
STEP 1

Opener: Policy

Teaching Tips

To teach this lesson step, refer to page 2 of Lesson 5.3 Teaching Guide Locked .

STEP 2

Understanding Government Policy

Teaching Tips

To teach this lesson step, refer to page 2 of Lesson 5.3 Teaching Guide Locked .

In this blog postWhat’s in the historic climate bill for your students? A lot! External link – you can learn all about the largest package of climate -related policy in US history!

What do we need government to do—and not do? Hear from experts about how the right policies can bring about the transformations we need, and then use the activity to evaluate what you’ve learned.

Why Does Policy Matter?

It will take more than scientists and innovators to lower emissions. Explore why government policy is one of the most powerful mechanisms for reducing emissions.

Key Ideas

As this video progresses, key ideas will be introduced to invoke discussion.
STEP 3

Policy Investigation

Teaching Tips

To teach this lesson step, refer to page 5 of Lesson 5.3 Teaching Guide Locked .

Our Writing Guide External link shares our approach to informal and formal writing – check it out!

STEP 4

Closer: Policy

Teaching Tips

To teach this lesson step, refer to page 7 of Lesson 5.3 Teaching Guide Locked .

Our online teacher community is a great resource for suggestions on how to implement Climate Project External link in your classroom.

Even if you’re not running for public office anytime soon, reflecting on your experience will make you a better advocate for the causes you care about.